Goodwillie, 24, has three Scotland caps and spent the first half of the season on loan with Dundee United where he scored six times in 22 appearances.

The striker said: "I'm thankful for the opportunity. It is a great platform to kick-start and get back playing games. I would have travelled miles just to get a game; hopefully I'll score as many goals as I can.

"A lot of the lads are in the same boat, having only been here a few days, so it will take time to gel."

Halliday, 22, can also operate at left-back and was a youth player at Ferguson's first club Rangers.

He has made 30 league appearances for Middlesbrough since arriving from Livingston in August 2010 and signed a contract extension in March 2013 to keep him at the Riverside until the end of June 2015.

However, he has made only four appearances for Boro this season and was another moving in the hope of gaining more first-team opportunities.

Ferguson's Scottish compatriots will both be available for Saturday's game against Doncaster Rovers.